Free MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2) by Linda Pohring, Anne Dewberry Page B

dilemma.
    “Hey, it’s no problem. I’ll have Pepper drop you off in front of ‘Popular Chic’ when we’re done. Ok?”
    Oddily relaxed. “That would be great.”
    “So tell me,” Carrie turned the stereo down, “what’s it like to have Maxim as a boyfriend? Is he a good kisser?”
    Just the mention of Maxim put a smile on Oddily’s face. “I love how he kisses.”
    “Yeah, of course you would say that, but what kind of lover is he? Is he passionate and wet, or reserved and dry?”
    Oddily’s smile began to widen. “Do you really want me to tell you?”
    “Hell yeah we do!” Pepper spoke up.
    “Well, he can definitely be passionate, but I’m not sure what you mean by wet.”
    “You know—when guys slobber all over your mouth.”
    “Ewww, that sounds so disgusting!” Oddily began to laugh. “No, Maxim usually likes to tease me with soft gentle kisses; but once in awhile his kiss will become so intense, it takes my breath away.”
    “Mmm, my kind of guy,” Carrie sighed. “Does that mean you’re still a virgin?”
    Oddily’s hand flew to her mouth and began to blush.
    Carrie made a face when she saw Oddily’s response. “Oops, I’m sorry about that!”
    “Hey, there it is!” Pepper pointed up ahead.
    Oddily leaned forward and stared in wide-eyed wonder at the enormous shopping mall up ahead.
    “Carrie, how much money do you have?”
    “Forty-seven dollars.”
    “What about you, Oddily?”
    “I think I have fifty or sixty dollars in my pocket. Let me check.” Oddily reached into her pocket and pulled out several hundred dollar bills.
    “Where did that come from?” Carrie eyed the wad of bills.
    “It’s from Maxim. He’s always giving me money.”
    “Woo hoo !” Pepper hooted. “Does he have a brother?”
    The parking lot was already jammed full, making it difficult to find a parking place; but when they finally did, it was in close walking distance.
    “Oh my God, I just spotted my favorite store! I’ve got to go inside and check it out!” Carrie began to dodge her way through the maze of window shoppers, oblivious to whether Pepper and Oddily had followed.
    Oddily tagged along, all the while staring into various storefront windows enticing her to come inside and shop; but, she needed to stay close by her friends. Strangely enough, she should have been enjoying herself, but all she could do was to think of Maxim.
    “How do you think I’d look in this dress?”
    Oddily walked over to the mirror where Pepper was holding up a sundress. It was in a shade that clashed with her beautiful dark skin.
    “Well?”
    “I like the style, but does it come in another color?”
    “Yeah, there’s a whole rack of them.”
    Oddily found the dresses and brought one back to show Pepper. “What about this yellow one?”
    Pepper held up the dress and had to agree. The color was much more flattering to her skin. “Hey Carrie…our new friend has an eye for style!”
    “Great. She can help me with these.” She held up an arm full of garments.
    Oddily felt a surge of confidence as she followed the girl’s around the store and gave them her input. The next store was the same. They entered a trendy boutique where Oddily bought a blouse she thought Maxim would like. She had never fussed with her appearance before, but now she cared very much how she looked. In fact, she was beginning to live every day in a mood of expectant happiness.
    “We’re being followed, guys!” Carrie nudged Pepper with her elbow.
    “They’re good looking too!” Pepper followed her best friend into another dress shop.
    Oddily followed suit, but not before she glanced over her shoulder and saw the boy with black hair wink at her.
    “Did you see that?” Oddily ran to catch up with the girls. “I think one of them tried to flirt with me!”
    Pepper laughed at the wonder in Oddily’s eyes. “Don’t take it to heart girlfriend. There are probably fifty other girls he’ll flirt with before the day’s over.”
    “Oh,